The Wilmingtonian., 1887-12-17
Aim to be Polite.

Politeness consists In doing the klnues'
thing in the pleasantest possible manner,
A selfish person is never truly polite, be-
cause he does not feel an interest in others,
and therefore, not always able to assume a
gracious manner. A person who is never
willing to oblige others at home is at much
of a loss to know how to be polite abroad,
as he would be if compelled to speak Ian
guage unknown to him. Potiteness like
charity, begins in the home circle. But it
should never end there Boys should early
be taught to lift their hats and bow when
ever they meet a lady. Our grandfathers
were taught to bow, and our grandmothers
to ''courtesy''to every one they met on their
way to and from school. 1t was an admira-
BILE social custom and ought not to have been
allowed to fall into disuse. Boys should be
taught at home to remove their hats at the
door to clean their feet on the door mat on
the outside, to walk quietly and gracefully
across the room, to sit and stand erect, to
speak pleasantly and frankly, to reply
promptly, truthfully and respectfully when
addressed, TO keep their hair and clothing
neatly brushed, to consider well polished
shoes, neat clothes and clean hands and face,
Just as essential when no one but the family
is present. as when there is company. They
should be permitted to help entertain COM
pany and should make themselves usefu
whenever their help is needed. A boy who
is unselfish and "handy" enough to replen-
sh the fire, sweep up the hearth, bring in
wood and water, or in any way add to the
comfort and convenience of his nearest rela-
tives, without being reminded of these little
duties, is treasure to his mother and has
benefited himself greatly by laying good
foundation for the performance of all those
little attentions which society exacts from
young men, Every intelligent boy ought to
know that it is against all rules Of good breed
ing to use profane or vulgar language; to
loll or lounge on sofas or chairs in the pres
ence oflades; to sit with the feet on table
or on the back of another chair; to whistle
loudly indoors, to speak rudely or harshly
to those older than himself; to sit while la
dies are standing; to occupy the easiest chair
in the room when there are others present en-
tiled to it by age, infirmnity or courtesy; to
order friend or relative as though he were
a servant; to slam doors; to assume swag-
gering air of superiority; to quarrel with any
one; or to treat visitors With i'll. bred indiffer-
ence or contempt
Little girls who wish to be agreeable must
that besides observing all the rules
laid down for their brothers, it is ill-bred to
act in sulen or churlish manner, TO say
spiteful things, to ridicnle the aged or de-
formed, to talk and laugh so loud y as to at
tract notice in public, to be petulent. to find
fault with a gift, and to complain about the
weather or anything else which is unavoid-
able.
Girls, try always to be natural, to forget
self, to be gracious toward every one, to
cultivate an amiable disposition, aud to add
to the happiness of others. If possible,
learn to walk in an easy and graceful man
ner without mincing or taking steps too
long. Learn to use yonr hands, and do not
sit in company with } our arms tightly folded
as though they wers not intended for use.
Conversation requires gestures at times. If
asked to sing Or play, comply at once, if it is
in your power to do so. Be scrupulously
neat in dress, and see that your room is al
ways in order.
Aud all such disagreeable habits as pick
ing the nose, ears or teeth in company, Bit
ing or trimming the nails, yawning and
appearing bored when any one-particularly
an old person-is speaking. Never interrupt
any one because he is telling you a tires, M
story. You can bear the in6iction much
better than he can endure the wound his
vanity " i'll receive. Always acknowledge an
acquaintance, il worthy of your respec', no
matter where he s, or however shabby his
clothes may be. The young girl or boy how
has polite bow, smile and pleasant
word for every one, will be blesstd with
many friends. Above all, learn to be true
hearted and sincere.
A silly, fickle-minded person, with no
principles OF opinions worth defending or
retaining, is, at best, worthless member
of society, aud one who will never have
nue.. influence for good.
Will not our young readers strive to attain
the courtesy that begins at Ihe hearts core
and not at the lipsP
Books for the Thousand.